Lungu sworn in to begin new term
What you need to know:
- Main opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema said their victory was stolen.
- President Lungu said Zambia belonged to all people who lived in it.
- He called on Zambians to move forward after the elections.
- President Lungu’s regime has been accused of being cruel to dissenting voices.
- President Lungu vowed not to be held hostage by any clique intent on controlling him.
NATION Correspondent
LUSAKA
Zambian President Edgar Lungu made staggering promises to revamp the slumping economy as he was Tuesday sworn-in after a disputed August 11 election.
Main opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema said their victory was stolen in the election in which the 59-year-old Lungu was seeking a first full five-year mandate.
Mr Lungu was voted in January 2015 to replace the late Michael Sata and finish his remainder of the term.
Speaking during his inaugural in the capital Lusaka, attended by hundreds of his supporters, President Lungu said Zambia belonged to all people who lived in it. He said his Patriotic Front party (PF) was re-elected based on “commendable performance”.
Despite the biting economy, which made for serious campaign debate, it was likely voters were swayed by the massive infrastructure projects launched by PF on winning power in 2011.
SETTLE SCORES
President Lungu called on Zambians to move forward after the elections.“...There is no time or latitude to settle scores-there is work to do,” he said.
But President Lungu’s regime has been accused of being cruel to dissenting voices after closure of four private media, including the country’s biggest private daily, The Post.
Two others, Muvi TV and Itezhi Tezhi radio, were reopened, although the daily continues publishing from a secret location.
President Lungu vowed not to be held hostage by any clique intent on controlling him.
He was apparently dismissing perception that he would be “managed” by former President Rupiah Banda who openly campaigned for him, especially in the east where both hail from.
President Lungu pledged to grow the economy by supporting local industries and boost infrastructure and technological research and lead a green revolution for food security.
He directed state departments to get involved in at least one agro activity as the government sought to make the sector a key driver of economic diversification. President Lungu said that coming from a humble background, he was deeply touched by how much people lacked materially.
“My parents taught me to respect people regardless of their station in life, for this reason, I assure you I will leave Zambia a better country than I found it.”
